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At the Getty Villa, a lecture on Greek drinking rituals

July 18, 2012 | 12:59
pm

The Getty Villa will offer a lecture Saturday on the symposion, an ancient Greek social custom where men socialized and drank wine. Historian Oswyn Murray of Oxford University will lead the talk and afterwards, guests will be able to enjoy appetizers and taste a selection of four wines inspired by historic techniques.

Three wines are made with grapes fermented in terra cotta vessels partially buried underground, a method similar to those of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The fourth wine is made from grapes indigenous to the Greek Islands as far back as 3,500 years ago.

“Drinking in the Greek Manner: A Brief History of the Symposion” will take place Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Villa Auditorium for the lecture and the Inner Peristyle for the wine tasting. 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. Tickets are $60 and can be reserved online or by calling (310) 440-7300.